It was her starring role in the school play. She should be happy. So why did she have the hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach? Was it just her nerves, or did it have something to do with her overbearing father? Rina came from a long line of businessmen and boss ladies. So when she showed interest in something outside of the family corporation, her dad went ballistic to say the least. He tried to ground her for stuff like this, but she was too clever and defiant to stay under his rule.
She had tried to be involved in the business, attending meetings, making spreadsheets, but that was all too slow and uneventful for her. Rina wanted to express herself with her whole self. She couldn’t sit still and listen to someone blabber endlessly about budget reports and travel expenses. She learned early on that theatre is her cup of tea. Her first taste of the stage came in the seventh grade. The teacher was offering extra credit to anyone who signed up for the bi-annual school play. Rina tended to be a bit distracted and bored in class and during homework time. So needless to say, she could use a few extra points. Thankfully her close friend signed up too, and together they conquered the ins and outs of their first performance.
Over the next few years, she had hopes that her parents would be present at at least one show. Dani always tried to cheer her up after each performance, but eventually Rina told her to not bother anymore.
The final play was fast approaching. Dani and Rina were excited about it and couldn’t talk about anything else. This was going to be one of their favorite shows and they’d worked tirelessly to perfect their performances.
As the cheering and applause filled Rina’s ears during the curtain call, she could not think of another moment in life where she was happier. Rina took about thirty minutes to finish talking with cast and audience members. She and Dani decided to leave and headed for the lobby.
“Oh, hi, mom. You’re actually here.” There was silence between them as they both floundered for words.
“Yeah, well, I thought with this being your big role I should at least come for the second half.”
“And let me guess, dad’s shoving ideas down an exec’s throat right now.”
“Rina, you know how he feels about you ditching the family business. He wants what’s best for you and your future.”
Rina eyed her mom for a few seconds. “I’m not going to let either of you ruin this night for me; I’m going to Dani’s, I’ll see you when I get home.” She started to walk out the main doors where Dani was waiting.
“And when will that be?”
“When I get there!” Rina shouted as the door slammed closed behind her.
As graduation neared, Rina knew she had to do something to ensure he couldn’t ruin any more of her adventures. She was mid-thought when the teacher dismissed everyone from class. Rina got up and exited the building, starting her three mile walk home. She would usually have her dad’s driver get her, but that was only an option when she did activities her dad approved of. It was his way or the highway, literally.
She approached her front door as her mind was buzzing with ideas of how to stop him from reigning on her parade. When she reached for her key in her book bag, she stumbled upon a prop she’d kept from the show: a prop knife. It was then she had a terrible, brilliant thought, “This time, it’s my way, or the highway… to Hell.”
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